Visa Finder quiz
Answer 3 quick questions and see the Thai visa route worth researching first.
Try it free →Best forPeople employed by a Thai company or running a business in Thailand.
DurationTied to employment; visa + permit renewed annually
CostVisa ~THB 2,000-10,000; work-permit fees vary by employer
RenewalsAnnual, tied to ongoing employment.
Reporting90-day report; work permit must match the job and employer.
One of eight Thailand routes
Is the Work Permit & Business Visa (Non-B) the one you should be reading?
This guide covers one route of eight. Answer seven short questions and see the two or three routes worth checking for your situation — each with the money it asks for, what it costs, and the Thai government page that requirement comes from. Signposting only: it decides nothing about your status, and it is not legal or immigration advice.
See which routes to check →Who qualifies
- A Thai employer (or your own registered Thai company) to sponsor you.
- The company meets capital/Thai-staff ratios for hiring foreigners.
- Role on the permitted-occupations list.
Requirements
- Employment contract / company documents.
- Company financials and registration.
- Qualifications/degree, health certificate.
- Non-B visa then work-permit application.
Step-by-step
- Secure a Thai employer or register a Thai company.
- Obtain the Non-Immigrant B visa.
- Apply for the Work Permit at the Ministry of Labour.
- Begin work only after the permit is issued; renew annually with 90-day reports.
Documents you'll need
- Passport + Non-B visa
- Employment contract
- Company registration & financials
- Degree/qualifications
- Health certificate, photos
Common mistakes to avoid
- Working before the permit is issued (illegal).
- Doing tasks outside the permit's scope/location.
- Company not meeting the Thai-staff/capital ratio, voiding the permit.
FAQ
Can I work in Thailand on a DTV, retirement or Elite visa?
No. Employment with a Thai entity requires a Non-B visa plus a Work Permit. Remote work for foreign clients is a separate matter (e.g. DTV).
Who arranges the work permit?
Usually your Thai employer sponsors both the Non-B visa and the work permit; business owners use their own registered company.
Official source
Verify current rules at Department of Employment. Then find your home: browse residences →
Sources & References
- Department of Employment
- Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
← All Thailand visas · Transparency hub →
General information for 2026, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change — confirm with Department of Employment or a licensed visa agent before applying.
Founder of BAANLYY · International real estate broker, investor & relocation specialist
Last updated 1 July 2026 · Last reviewed 1 July 2026